An estimated one in five Australians has arthritis. It costs the economy about $23.9 billion annually.
Arthritis is not yet curable but with early and proper diagnosis as well as a customised management plan, it can be controlled. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has improved markedly as understanding of the disease process improves. With early aggressive therapy using new designer agents, remission can be achieved in over 50% of patients.
Arthritis ACT supports various universities, most notably the University of Canberra, with translational research and with early carer research placements.
Latest articles
IKK2 controls the inflammatory potential of tissue-resident regulatory T cells in a murine gain of function model (Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis research)
Yoga for the management of pain and sleep in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot randomized controlled trial
The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of a relaxation‐based yoga intervention for rheumatoid arthritis, designed and reported in accordance with Delphi recommendations for yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions – read more
Ibuprofen health warning: Cheap painkiller raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure in arthritis sufferers
Arthritis sufferers are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke if they take ibuprofen to dampen their pain, a study shows.
The common painkiller, available in corner shops, supermarkets and petrol stations, had a more profound effect on raising blood pressure than other similar medications – read more
Tai Chi for preventing falls
This study looked at over 3800 participants and found the risk of falls reduced significantly in the Tai Chi group compared to a control group (people who did not do anything). The risk of falls was less if you participated frequently in Tai chi. Yang style Tai Chi as used by Arthritis ACT was found to be better than other forms of Tai Chi – read more
Exercise as Therapy
Exercise training has emerged as a potential therapeutic tool in counteracting systemic inflammation, thereby leading to better clinical outcomes. The aims of this review are i) to provide a summary of the clinical effects of exercise training in selected autoimmune rheumatic diseases; and ii) to discuss the potential anti-inflammatory role of exercise training in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, stressing the gaps in literature and the clinical and scientific perspectives in the field – read more
Upcoming Research
Juvenile Dermatomyositis Study
“Kia ora, hello, my name is Megan Jeffries. I am completing a Master’s thesis at Massey University exploring the experience of children aged 5-12 years old and their parents undergoing treatment for Juvenile Dermatomyositis in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK.”
“I invite you to participate in this research as there is currently a gap in the literature exploring the experiences of parents and children undergoing treatment for rare chronic illnesses. Often spending long periods in and out of the hospital for treatments and appointments, I aim to explore the holistic support the children and their parents are offered and to identify areas where it could be strengthened.”
Participant identification and recruitment
- Participants must be the parent of a child aged between 5-12 years undergoing treatment for juvenile dermatomyositis.
- Participants must reside in New Zealand, Australia, or the United Kingdom as these countries share a similar healthcare model.
- Participants must be over the age of 18 years.
- Participants must have access to a strong internet connection to enable completion of the survey.
- The survey will be in English.
- Two parents can complete the survey but we ask you to complete two separate surveys.
https://massey.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5t0jyLYng51ogF8
